Sanguinololu 1.3a Huxley connection problem

I posted this in the Huxley section but figured it should maybe be in the Sanguinololu section. I apologize if I shouldn't do that.

I recently was given a Huxley 3d printer - the one from the original kickstarter.

I am trying to connect it to the computer. But windows simply does not pick it up. It doesn't recognize that anything is connected via the USB. The red light does come on, on the Sanguinololu 1.3a board.

I really don't know what I am doing to be honest, but I assume that there is probably something wrong with the board? I have tried to install all the drivers that I can find but no luck.

1) attempt to configure the firmware from scratch, basically having to work out the machine specific details
(this is something I think everyone should know how to do, or how are you ever going to upgrade your firmware, but is quite daunting for the new user)

2) you could try removing the 40 pin chip from your current board and put it into the new board, both should be in sockets

I eventually got around to getting a new Sanguinololu board. Probably a very stupid question. Will I need to get a programmer to get a bootloader onto the board and then do firmware? I haven't touched it yet but I assume this can only be established if the a computer recognizes it or not?

Or should I replace the long black 40 pin chip from the old one. My only worry is seeing there was something wrong with the previous board, I don't want to damage the new one by changing components. (that is if it is possible to damage it by swapping that chip, I can only assume it would be possible)